Undergoing a hip replacement surgery is painful enough and is a long procedure in itself. The surgery though has become common nowadays still is a life-changing procedure as a right procedure could improve the quality of life, but a failed procedure could lead to dealing with multiple complications along with a revision surgery if required.
A successful hip replacement surgery should last for 10 to 20 years but there are still chances that the implant could fail. One of the most popular metal-on-metal implants has a higher failure rate as per research hence can cause significant complications in patients. Detecting the early symptoms of complication and acting on it may still resolve the concern but if the issue is due to a defective or substandard implant causing other difficulties or improper insert of implants, then you might urgently need additional assistance of a medical expert.
It is important to identify the first symptom of future complications by reading into the symptoms mentioned below;
Symptoms of Failed Hip Replacement Surgery:
If you have undergone a hip replacement surgery, it is highly advisable to periodically visit the doctor for follow-ups. The symptoms may not appear overnight hence monitoring it carefully may help you to detect the early symptoms.
- Blood clot in the leg and pelvic area.
- Discomfort and pain in the hip area, legs or lower back.
- Swelling in the hip area and fatigue
- A squeaky noise in the hip joint area
- Difficult to stand and walk.
- Decreased flexibility
- Limping over a period of time.
Risks Associated with Defective Hip Implants
An artificial hip can last from 10 to 12 years up to 30 years if stronger material is used but unfortunately a high failure rate of hip replacement surgery has been registered in the first 5 years. The failure rate could be due to the negligence of the surgeon or the material of the implant used hence every manufacturer may have a different failure rate, but it has been noted that the complications due to a failed hip replacement are more or less the same.
- High chances of infection.
- An increase in the likelihood of revision surgery within the first five years.
- Aseptic loosening (loosing of hip replacement component).
- Pain, discomfort and limited mobility.
- Bone loss – Osteolysis
- Pseudo-tumors (due to the foreign body reaction and wear debris)
- Hip dislocation
- Damage to surrounding joints, arteries, veins and nerves during surgery.
- Allergic reaction to the bone cement.
- Different length of legs after surgery.
- Hip stiffness
- More pain after the surgery than before.
Get Legal Support for Defective Hip Implant:
A link has been established between the products used in hip replacement and complications patients are facing according to medical journals. The manufacturers are liable for the substandard product and can be held accountable if it can be proved. Similarly, if the implant has been inserted improperly, a faulty implant lawsuit can be filed against the medical practitioner.
If you have taken all the precautionary measures and treatments suggested by the doctor and still the symptoms of a defective implant becomes noticeable, it is advisable to consult a Medical Malpractice Lawyer like Tommy Hastings to understand if the next step is litigation and to represent you against the personal injury caused by the defective implant.